Radio New Zealand relayed news today, Thursday, that the new Zealand Government is further stepping up its relationship with Pacific nations.
Its Pacific Reset, ushered in by Winston Peters several years ago, is now to go further and focus on resilience.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said this was the natural next step as New Zealand looks at how to respond to the significant challenges in the region.
She said Covid has stressed the region's resilience.
The minister said it has also taught many lessons about what works and doesn't work and the approach to health and governance during the pandemic makes this clear.
Minister Mahuta said New Zealand's contributions have helped with pandemic preparedness, PPE supply, hospital upgrades, testing assistance, medical equipment, isolation and quarantine facilities, and so on.
"The urgent and complex challenges facing our region are far greater than any of our differences, and I believe our strength and success to overcome these relies on the countries of the Blue Ocean Continent listening to each other, and acting together," she said when announcing the new policy.
When then Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the "Pacific Reset" in 2018, the aim was develop a genuine partnership with Pacific countries.
Mr. Peters said it was about treating Pacific countries as equals despite their size just as New Zealand wants bigger countries to treat it.
He said a $US45.6 million boost in funding for NGOs working in development in the region is also in recognition of the urgency needed to address the Pacific's needs.
He also opened more diplomatic posts across the region.
Source – Radio New Zealand.
Comment.
I for one, welcome the news that New Zealand is set to step up its relationship with its Pacific neighbours,
I especially welcome what Foreign Minister Nanata Mahuta said about New Zealand already having given hospital upgrades and medical equipment,
In the context of help for hospitals, I would appeal to Minister Mahutu to help the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in the Solomon Islands with help for the Cancer Unit with equipment, especially two mammogram machines, given it is a fact that breast cancer is a real health concern in the Solomons and the NRH does not, currently, have a mammogram machine that can be used in the diagnosis of breast cancer..
New Zealand has had a long standing close bond with the Solomon Islands and contributed much by way of aid and material support which has been much appreciated by the government and people.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
